Thief.

Honestly, I usually make Astarion a thief because Arcane Trickster just isn't as good. The Thief is the subclass that kinda sorta makes up for the Rogue getting the shaft as a class.

But once again, they've gone to the other extreme. Fast Hands, according to 5e, should allow Rogues to pickpocket someone using Cunning Action, pick a lock or disarm a trap, or use an item (potion being one such item but it's not limited to just a potion). So it's meant to add to what you can do with the normal Rogue ability Cunning Action. You can Dash, Disengage, or Hide as a bonus action, and now you can pick pockets, pick locks and use items that are normally Actions to use - non-attack type things.

But, instead, BG3 gives Thieves an extra bonus action because when are you ever going to pick a lock, disarm a trap or use an item in BG3 during combat? Nowhere, at least in EA, would this apply ESPECIALLY because potion - the most usable item in combat - is already a Bonus.

So, what's the big issue?

You can do ALL of the following as a Thief:

1. Attack with Main hand and Attack twice with your off hand, potentially dealing more damage than a fighter or barbarian each round.
2. Dash not once or twice but 3 times, moving up to 180 feet in a single turn.
3. Attack and use 2 Potions for more healing potential than even a cleric if you have good potions. 2 Greater Potions is 8d4+8 healing in a single turn... And you can still attack too with Sneak Attack and deal hefty damage.
4. Cast a spell using a scroll, then another using a scroll as a Bonus, and a third as another Bonus. Misty Step 2 times of ya got the scrolls. That's more than an Arcane Trickster or any mage. Dang!
5. Hide, Shoot or Melee, skirt around behind an enemy and Hide again.

Or some mix of these. I'm sure there's more, but those are the main ones I've done.

So how has Larian made the Rogue stand out? Thief with more Bonus actions. They aren't standing out as lock pickers and pickpockets, or deceivers and tricksters. They're standing out as massive damage dealers and potion drinkers and super fast racing across the board runners, and scroll chainers and popping in and out of shadows assassins.

As for their other ability, Second Story Work, I'm not sure if that is implemented well. I haven't noticed if they can jump farther or climb faster than anyone else. That's all overshadowed by Fast Hands, the OP Rogue Thief ability that makes the Rogue REALLY incredible.

Man! If you gave Rogues Expertise so they were kings of Stealth, they'd be gaining advantage on every dang attack roll. Hide even in direct line of sight, sneak attack, hide. Sneak Attack and off hand, dance around behind, hide. Wash, rinse, repeat. By level 5, at least 5d6 damage each round, if not 6d6. 3d6 for Sneak Attack and 1d6 per 3 weapon attacks. What can Fighter do? Maybe 4d6 with Greatsword, and if uses Action Surge another 2d6 - IF uses action Surge. Add 1d8 for superiority dice if he uses it, and can only do that 4 times. Hmmm. Something seems off.

Last edited by GM4Him; 20/03/22 03:22 AM.